7 1/4 inch gauge LMS Black 5 4-6-0

A 7 1/4 inch gauge LMS Black 5, an older engine which runs well, although due a repaint and bottom end overhaul - it came to us recently along with a good Holmside which the owner had bought from us last year.

With a few months left on the last club hydraulic test, we gave the boiler preliminary test so that we could steam the engine - aside from one minute bead of water on a stay which took up under steam, it held pressure well with no evidence of leaks or distortion. It will require the cladding removing for a thorough inspection - given the painting required, now would be a good time to lift the boiler.

On test the engine steamed freely and ran well - albeit with a good deal of racket from the bottom end, with the motionwork and valve gear needing some rebushing.

The beautiful scale safety valves worked as well as they look, the injectors picked up reliably - and the authentic-sounding Stanier "hooter" whistle is lovely!

Shabby and somewhat tired, but well built in the first place - it's a well-proportioned, nicely detailed engine with a semi-scale backhead. Offered as a running restoration, it has the potential to make a good example of this popular design.